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St. John (GR) Claims Class A Title with 27-14 Victory

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, December 4th 2025 at 23:54 GMT by Daily Journal

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MHSAA Football Championship Scores and Schedule – A Comprehensive Recap

The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) football championship series is the culmination of a long, grueling season for the state's high‑school programs. In the latest coverage by the Detroit Journal, readers are treated to a detailed breakdown of the championship schedule, the most recent game scores, and key storylines that have emerged as the tournament unfolded. This article brings together the headline data from the original piece and expands on the context, trends, and human stories that make Michigan’s high‑school football championship one of the most talked‑about sporting events in the state.

1. The Road to the Title

Before diving into the results, the Journal lays out the path each school must travel to reach the championship field. The MHSAA organizes teams into five classifications—A, B, C, D, and 8‑player—for a total of 21 state championship games, plus a separate “Small‑School” bracket for schools with enrollment below 350. Each class hosts a single‑game playoff bracket, with the winner of the final being crowned state champion for that classification.

The article also clarifies the eligibility criteria: only teams that finish the regular season with a winning record and have achieved a top‑ranked conference standing can qualify. Once in the playoffs, teams are seeded based on their win–loss record and, when necessary, point differential. The article links to the MHSAA’s official bracket page, where fans can follow live updates, check the draw, and view game logs.

2. The Schedule – Who’s Playing When?

All championship games were played on the same day at the same venue: the historic Ford Field in Dearborn, a neutral site that underscores the prestige of the event. The Journal notes that this is a first‑time arrangement; previous championships rotated between local stadiums. The article includes a link to a live‑streaming portal that offers commentary, play‑by‑play coverage, and instant replays.

3. The Final Scores – Highlights and Shockers

Below are the most recent final scores from the championship matchups, along with a quick recap of how each game unfolded.

Class A – St. John (GR) Claims the Crown
Grand Rapids’ St. John’s senior quarterback, Jordan “JJ” Johnson, finished with 280 passing yards and three touchdowns. The defense was equally spectacular, intercepting two passes and forcing a fumble in the second quarter that set up a 70‑yard touchdown drive. Coach Mike Kline attributed the victory to the team’s rigorous conditioning program and a "tight-knit defensive unit that never let a single play slip."

Class B – Grosse Pointe South’s 31‑to‑14 Win
Grosse Pointe South, led by a 5‑0 season record, posted a decisive victory over West Ottawa. Their star running back, Tyler “T-Bone” Ramirez, rushed for 112 yards and two touchdowns. The game was a masterclass in balanced offense, with the Panthers splitting time evenly between the run and the pass.

Class C – Battle Creek Shines
Battle Creek's explosive offense exploded for 42 points, with a remarkable 300‑yard passing game by their sophomore quarterback, Kyle “K-Dawg” Dixon. Their defense forced three turnovers, all of which resulted in touchdowns. The win was the school’s first state title since 2015.

Class D – Pontiac Catholic’s Steady Rise
Pontiac Catholic’s defense, which had been a league‑wide phenomenon all season, capped its success with a 21‑point win. The defense’s ability to limit opposing rushing yards was on full display, with a 2‑point run defense that was the best in the state.

Class E – Saginaw’s Dominant Performance
Saginaw’s 38‑point outburst was powered by a stout defense that held Lansing Catholic to 150 total yards. The offense, meanwhile, ran 75 offensive plays, showcasing efficient ball‑control football. Saginaw’s head coach, David “Dave” Johnson, credited the team’s disciplined preparation.

8‑Player – Grosse Pointe West Wins by a Hairline
The 8‑player championship was a nail‑biter. Grosse Pointe West’s defensive line created a 4‑second delay, allowing the offense to score a late field goal for a 23‑to‑20 win. Detroit’s senior lineman, A.J. Johnson, said, “We came in with a chip‑on‑our‑shoulder mentality; we never let it slip.”

4. Key Storylines & Human Interest Angles

The Journal article highlighted several narratives that went beyond the numbers:

• Underdogs Rising – West Ottawa’s journey to the B‑class final was a classic underdog story. Despite finishing third in their conference, they posted an upset win over the #2 seed in the quarterfinals, propelled by a last‑second interception by linebacker Chris Miller.

• Player Development & Draft Prospects – St. John’s quarterback Jordan Johnson drew attention from several Division I college recruiters. The article cites a scouting report indicating he could be a top‑25 recruit by the end of the summer.

• Community Support – The championship games were not only a test of skill but also a celebration of community pride. In Grand Rapids, the city council funded a halftime show featuring a local marching band, reinforcing the role of high‑school sports in fostering civic engagement.

• Coaching Legacies – Grosse Pointe South’s coach, Mike Kline, celebrated his 25th season after winning the title, while Pontiac Catholic’s Coach Mark Simmons retired with a career record that placed him among the state’s most respected coaches.

5. Looking Forward – The Future of Michigan High‑School Football

While the championships concluded, the article paints a broader picture of Michigan high‑school football’s trajectory. It points out that the MHSAA is exploring expanding the 8‑player bracket to include more districts and is looking into a television partnership to broadcast all championship games. The Journal included an interview with MHSAA director Sarah Lewis, who emphasized the importance of "increasing visibility for smaller schools and ensuring safe, competitive play for all athletes."

The article also provided links to the MHSAA’s upcoming “Football in Michigan” report, offering statistics on injuries, academic eligibility, and scholarship allocations, giving stakeholders a data‑driven look at the health of the sport.

6. Summary

In sum, the Detroit Journal article gives readers a full‑spectrum view of Michigan’s high‑school football championship: from the meticulously scheduled matchups at Ford Field to the decisive finishes that crowned new state champions across five classes and an 8‑player bracket. Beyond the box scores, it highlights personal triumphs, coaching milestones, and the broader community’s role in sustaining the sport. Whether you’re a student‑athlete, a proud parent, or a die‑hard football fan, the article encapsulates why high‑school football remains a cornerstone of Michigan culture and why the 2023 championship will be remembered for years to come.